Why Cos (And The Black Middle Class) Is A Threat

“In America, we see two black Americas. The majority black world reflects increased prosperity, growing homeownership, and steady asset accumulation. The other, the so-called black underclass, remains disturbing. Quite simply, we see too many children having children. It stands, far and away, as America’s No. 1 problem. Whatever role racism played, the complete abolition of white racism would leave these problems unresolved.” - Larry Elder, libertarian Republican commentator, Showdown: Confronting Bias, Lies, and the Special Interests That Divide America (2002)

Bill Cosby is now a marked man, for his crusade about the state of some black folks. August Wilson, the renowned playwright, recently slammed him in a national magazine. A couple of nights ago, Michael Eric Dyson was on “Hannity & Colmes” on the FOX News Channel. The University of Pennsylvania professor was discussing his new book, Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has The Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind? A slim majority of black Americans are now middle class. Throw in the working class, and 76% of black Americans are not poor.

Many folks wonder why when 95% of black Americans were sharecroppers, maids, and porters just three generations ago, why most black folks have risen while the so-called ‘underclass’ remains unable to improve their lives. Most folks want to give a hand up and even handouts - black Americans are among the country’s most generous charitable givers and volunteers - but are growing exasperated by folks who aren't taking advantage of post-civil-rights opportunities. Many folks see a once-rich black American culture increasingly being driven into the gutter by thug rap and glorification of ignorance, and are starting to get angry. When even black liberals like comedian Bill Cosby, columnist Clarence Page, and newspaper editor Cynthia Tucker join the growing chorus of black conservatives and moderates who have sounded the alarms for years, you know a movement is afoot. What has been said only behind closed doors and away from ‘mixed company’ (aka white folks) is being said out loud.

This is dangerous to the “poverty pimps, the victim pimps” (Mr. Cosby’s words). Being the socialist-in-disguise that he is, Professor Dyson slammed Cos for benefiting from “American corporate capitalism”, with his endorsements of Jello and the like. Ironically, it is these endorsements that has enabled Cos to almost reach billionaire status, and funnel millions in dollars to historically black colleges and to brainy but needy high school students to attend college. But never mind that fact. Watching the show, my cousin asked, “If rappers can promote stuff, why can’t Cosby?” Good question, cuz. And at least Cos ain’t plugging Pimp Juice drinks.

I also take issue with Professor Dyson’s claim that Bill Cosby had avoided race issues for so long, so what now makes him an expert. Uh, perhaps his PhD in education makes him just as much as an expert as Professor Dyson. While Mr. Cosby sought to transcend race with his comedic work, he also sought to put positive black images out there: Fat Albert (good ghetto kids), “The Cosby Show”, “Cosby”, etc.. Not to mention his work on civil rights issues, such as a 1968 documentary called “Black History: Lost, Stolen Or Strayed” (thanks, The Black Informant). He has always been a both/and sort of guy, not an either/or guy. And unlike Professor Dyson, Bill Cosby ain’t in some ivory tower but actually works in communities on education issues.

During the "Hannity & Colmes" interview, I was most surprised that Professor Dyson didn’t criticize Bill Cosby in the areas where criticism has merit: is Bill Cosby the right man to lead this battle now, given his own alleged indiscretions (alleged affairs, daughter out of wedlock, & sexual harassment)? While a flawed man, Cos has credibility in addressing the issues that he addresses because he (1) grew up poor; (2) paid his dues; and (3) promotes philanthropic solutions.

As black folks increasingly move back to the South, with its conservative culture, the intra-black and cross-class tensions will only grow. Watch for the growing battle for Black America’s soul. So no. The black middle-class ain’t lost its mind. Professor Dyson, on the other hand…